Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks has been a family favorite of ours since they began offering the free show tours in Chicago parks in 2012. This year we're extra excited for the shows since CST founder and Artistic Director, Barbara Gaines is directing this 75-minute abridged production! Check out our review of CST's Short Shakespeare version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream production for school groups and the public at The Yard, earlier this year. We were thrilled to partner up with CST on a 4 pack ticket giveaway for one of our lucky readers. The best news is, now all of Chicago can catch A Midsummer Night’s Dream for free in the great outdoors! Gather a picnic, chairs, family and friends, and come catch the show at a Chicago park this summer.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. Made possible by production sponsor BMO Harris Bank, 25 performances of Shakespeare’s timeless classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted and directed by the Theater’s founder and artistic director Barbara Gaines, will tour free for all to 18 neighborhood parks across the City, July 25–August 26, 2018.

“Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks brings world-class theater to neighborhoods across the city and gives residents the chance to experience the best of what Chicago has to offer right in their own backyard,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I look forward to watching many of our top local performances in this summer’s rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ”The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream kicks off at Polk Bros Park on Navy Pier with four performances: Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28—all beginning at 7:00pm.Parks scheduled to be visited, rain or shine, include:Wednesday, July 25 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)Thursday, July 26 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)Friday, July 27 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)Saturday, July 28 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)Tuesday, July 31 at 6:30pm | Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)Wednesday, August 01 at 6:30pm | Gage Park (2411 W. 55th St.)Thursday, August 02 at 6:30pm | Kelvyn Park (4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.)Friday, August 03 at 6:30pm | Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.)Saturday, August 04 at 6:30pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)Sunday, August 05 at 4:00pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)Tuesday, August 07 at 6:30pm | Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave.)Wednesday, August 08 at 6:30pm | Tuley Park (501 E. 90th Pl.)Thursday, August 09 at 6:30pm | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.)Friday, August 10 at 6:30pm | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.)Saturday, August 11 at 6:30pm | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.)Sunday, August 12 at 4:00pm | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.)Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30pm | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.)Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30pm | Garfield Park (100 N. Central Park Ave.)Thursday, August 16 at 6:30pm | Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton St.)Tuesday, August 21 at 6:30pm | Calumet Park (9801 S. Ave. G)Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30pm | Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine Ave.)Thursday, August 23 at 6:30pm | Piotrowski Park (4247 W. 31st St.)Friday, August 24 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)Saturday, August 25 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)Sunday, August 26 at 4:00pm | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.)“We are proud to partner with Chicago Shakespeare Theater to bring free Shakespeare to our beautiful neighborhood parks,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This is just one of the 1,200 multidisciplinary and multicultural Night Out in the Parks offerings that everyone is invited to come, see and experience in Chicago’s parks this summer.”The citywide tour is made possible by a renewed civic, cultural, and corporate partnership between Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Boeing, and production sponsor BMO Harris Bank. Since the inception of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program seven years ago, more than 130,000 Chicagoans have taken advantage of free performances in their communities.“The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program has become a local symbol for increased access to and participation in the arts” said John Blazey, Vice President of Boeing Global Engagement. “This unique partnership among city agencies, community-based organizations, local artists, and neighborhood residents is a powerful example of how investment in the arts helps to bring vitality to our communities by engaging families and building connections with one another.”David Casper, President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank said, “BMO Harris Bank is proud to sponsor this summer’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a magical story that has been delighting audiences for over four hundred years. Chicago Shakespeare Theater shares our commitment to ensuring that great theater is accessible to all, and we look forward to partnering with them in bringing this production to neighborhoods across the city.”For the first time since the establishment of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour in 2012, director Barbara Gaines is directing this 75-minute abridged production for audiences across Chicago. Gaines has always treasured the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour, which carries on the tradition of free Shakespeare that she established in the early years of the Theater. Gaines brings a vision of merriment to the enchanting story of four young lovers who set out for the forest, in which an amateur theater troupe is rehearsing. When the Fairy Court discovers these mortals in their midst, mischief ensues until dawn.The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast includes Jasmine Bracey (Titania/Hippolyta), Adam Wesley Brown (Bottom), Richard Costes (Snout), Danielle Davis (Starveling), Lane Anthony Flores (Flute/Fairy), Kevin Gudahl (Oberon/Theseus), Jarrett King (Egeus/Quince), Tyrone Phillips (Demetrius), Cage Sebastian Pierre (Puck), Laura Rook (Helena), Faith Servant (Hermia), Christopher Sheard (Lysander), and Hannah Starr (Snug/Fairy). Joining Gaines on the creative team is Scenic Designer Kevin Depinet, Costume Designer Mieka van der Ploeg, Sound Designer Mikhail Fiksel, and Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie.

Partnering with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is offering ASL-interpreted performances at six of the eighteen Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour stops:

Friday, August 03 at 6:30pm | Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.)Saturday, August 04 at 6:30pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)Wednesday, August 08 at 6:30pm | Tuley Park (501 E. 90th Pl.)Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30pm | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.)Saturday, August 25 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)Sunday, August 26 at 4:00pm | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.)Sign-interpreting the performances are Elizabeth Bartlow Breslin and Will Lee. Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will also offer an Audio-described performance on Sunday, August 12 at 4:00pm at Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for audience members who are blind or have low vision, in which a describer provides a description of visual elements of the production transmitted through headphones. Assistive-listening devices are available for all performances. For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATERA global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award winner, the Theater produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveiled a new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions Chicago Shakespeare as the city’s most versatile performing arts venue.

My kids have read all the books and enjoyed all the movies. Now they're excited to catch the award winning musical adaption which will launch its National Tour in Chicago. Start 2019 off with a show with this mythical musical.

All production photos by Jeremy Daniels

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, an “electrifying” (Newsday) musical adaption of The New York Times best-selling novel written by Rick Riordan, will launch its National Tour in Chicago playing Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) for a limited one-week engagement January 8 – 13, 2019.

With more than 100 million copies of the book series sold worldwide, this global phenomenon has found a new home on the live stage in a "mesmerizing" theatrical event that proves "lightning can strike twice!" (TheaterMania). Following a sold-out run in New York City, where it garnered 3 Drama Desk Award nominations, including Best Musical, this "winning adaptation" (The Hollywood Reporter) is coming to rock Chicago. As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL is an action-packed theatrical adventure that has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL has a Drama Desk nominated book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, and is directed by Stephen Brackett, with choreography by Patrick McCollum, with set design by Lee Savage, costume design by Sydney Maresca, Obie award winning sound design by Ryan Rumery, lighting design by David Lander, fight direction by Rod Kinter and orchestrations by Wiley DeWeese and Rob Rokicki. The production is being presented by special arrangement with Rick Riordan and the Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency.THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL is produced by Theaterworks USA, Martian Entertainment, Greg Schaffert Productions, Lang Entertainment Group and in partnership with The Road Company.

TICKET INFORMATIONTickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. Individual tickets for THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at the Oriental Theatre will go on-sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

THEATERWORKS USA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Managing Director) is America’s foremost professional not-for-profit theater company dedicated to creating exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences for young and family audiences in diverse communities throughout New York City and North America. Since 1961, the company has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 130 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed creative alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Tina Landau (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical), and Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening). www.twusa.org.MARTIAN ENTERTAINMENT is a Tony Award-winning theatrical production and general management company owned and operated by Carl D. White and Gregory Rae, and Associate Producer Tyrus Emory. Credits include: The Normal Heart (Tony Award); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award); Kinky Boots (Tony Award); The Play That Goes Wrong (Broadway); Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Gore Vidal's The Best Man; A Clockwork Orange; Bare the Musical; The Temperamentals; [title of show]; Potted Potter; Naked Boys Singing!; Altar Boyz; Immediate Family; and many others. Film/TV projects include the feature film musical Hello Again; and the award-winning TV pilot "Sox News." MartianEntertainment.com @MartianEntNYC

GREG SCHAFFERT PRODUCTIONS: Greg is a Tony Award winning producer with over 30 years of experience working in every facet of the theatre. Producing credits: Peter and the Starcatcher (5 Tony Awards); All Shook Up; Burn the Floor; Bat Boy The Musical; Striking 12; Shear Madness; Analog & Vinyl; Three Musketeers; No Wake; Magnetic North; Great Wall; The Girl in the Frame, and many others. In development: Bat Boy revival; Atlantis; Something in the Game; Looking for Christmas; The Singing River;Painted Alice; Hot Mess in Manhattan. gregschaffert.com

THE ROAD COMPANY was founded in 1997 by Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota. In addition to The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical current representation includes Wicked, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, War Paint, The Band’s Visit, SpongeBob SquarePants, A Clockwork Orange, The Sound of Music, The Illusionists, Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots, and Elf the Musical.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGOBroadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 18 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Mad love and belly laughs to one of our long running favorites, Barrel of Monkeys' THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. They've been a Chicago Monday night staple since 1997, with ever changing stories penned by Chicago school kids and brought to life on stage in gut busting glory by professional actors. The 8pm Monday time slot is for other actors, most of whom have an off night after working all weekend. The best thing about BOM's summer run is, you can bring the kids!

Barrel of Monkeys proudly presents THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Brand New Stories, a line-up of all new stories written by Chicago elementary school students during the 2017-18 school year. Be among the first to experience the newest songs, sketches and dance pieces adapted from stories written by students in Barrel of Monkeys’ creative writing workshops. Directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Brand New Stories will play Mondays at 8 pm from June 18 – July 16, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.

Clever and funny – touching and poignant – the collection of stories featured in THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA is equally entertaining for adults and children. The line-up of the long-running, critically-acclaimed revue changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 21st season, conducts creative writing workshops with 2nd through 7th grade students in underserved Chicago elementary schools and in its own after-school program. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and poems into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.Location: Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in ChicagoDates: June 18 – July 16, 2018Curtain Times: Mondays at 8 pm Tickets: $15 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Discounts: $10 for students with ID, seniors, veterans and groups of 10 or more people. $5 for Teen Arts Pass (TAP) members. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.About the DirectorBrandon Cloyd joined Barrel of Monkeys in 2007 and has been deeply involved in many facets of the company ever since. Prior to joining BOM, Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Business Institutions. Within BOM, Brandon has served as an actor, teaching artist, lead teacher, a member of Teacher Corps, as well as a director for schools and public performances of That's Weird, Grandma. Before becoming the company’s Artistic Director in September 2017, Brandon served as BOM After-School Program Coordinator at Loyola Park from 2014-2016 and Program Director from 2016-2017. Outside of Barrel of Monkeys, he worked as the Associate Director of Camp Echo, where he has spent 13 summers managing campers and staff at a co-ed sleep away camp in Upstate New York. Brandon has worked with other theatre companies including Urban Theatre Company, American Theater Company, Filament Theatre, Ingen Productions, ACLE's Teatrino in Italy and Purple Crayon Players at Northwestern University.

About Barrel of MonkeysSince Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities.

Barrel of Monkeys is sponsored in part by Wintrust Financial, Allscripts, Inc., Ernst and Young and Punchkick Interactive. It receives generous support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the National Endowment for the Arts; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; the Chicago Community Trust; Crown Family Philanthropies; Alphawood Foundation of Chicago; the Maurice R. and Meta G. Gross Foundation; Polk Bros Foundation; the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; the Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc.; The Saints; The Topfer Family Foundation, and many other generous individuals and foundations.

Celebrate the 65th anniversary of the timeless classic and enjoy new and original bonus features!

Can you believe the movie about the boy who wouldn't grow up is turning 65?! This story created Wendy as a previously unheard of girls' name, and spawned numerous works of art, film, theatre, and creativity. Now you can bring it home and share it with generations to come.

Discover a ​darling conversation in an all-new clip featuring Wendy (Kathryn Beaumont) and John (Paul Collins) in celebration of the 65th Anniversary​ of Peter Pan! Experience the magic that went into animating the timeless classic with all new bonus content featured on the Peter Pan Walt Disney Signature Collection, now available on Digital and Movies Anywhere and on Blu-ray June 5!​

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, Disney’s beloved flight of fantasy, “Peter Pan,” joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection, landing in homes on Digital and Movies Anywhere on May 29 and on Blu-ray June 5. With a little faith, trust and pixie dust, every member of the family will let their imagination soar on this epic adventure to Never Land, sparkling with legendary animation, extraordinary music and both all-new and classic bonus features.The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition of “Peter Pan” invites adventures of all ages to believe in magic once again and experience a timeless treasure from Disney’s golden age of animation that has stirred the hearts and imaginations of moviegoers worldwide since its original 1953 release. The Signature Collection edition offers over two hours of classic bonus features plus never-before-seen extras, including the latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office,” which explores Walt’s love of flying and the company planes; a nostalgic reunion between Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Wendy) and Paul Collins (the voice of John); and new “Oke” renditions of the classic song “You Can Fly” and deleted song “Never Smile at a Crocodile” accompanied by on-screen lyrics and the film’s unforgettable animated characters. In “Peter Pan,” fantastic adventures await the Darling children—Wendy, John and Michael—when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After flying with Peter and the delightfully impish Tinker Bell past the “second star to the right and straight on till morning,” they explore the enchanted island and Peter’s secret hideout with the Lost Boys, and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous villain Captain Hook. “Peter Pan” is the seventh title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King” and “Lady and the Tramp.”Bonus Features:BLU-RAY & DIGITAL*:New Signature Collection BonusStories from Walt’s Office: Walt & Flight – “Think of the happiest things, it’s the same as having wings”. One thing you’ll notice inside Walt Disney’s office are all of the models and pictures of airplanes. Walt loved planes and was an aficionado of flying. As a continuation of the “Stories from Walt’s Office” series, we’ll soar into the world of one of Walt’s favorite pastimes and look at the history behind the company airplane he used to scout Central Florida looking for the perfect place to build his second theme park.

A “Darling” Conversation with Wendy & John: Kathryn Beaumont and Paul Collins – Join Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Wendy) and Paul Collins (the voice of John) as they reunite for the first time in many years to reminisce and discuss their experiences working on Peter Pan, meeting Walt Disney and learning to fly … literally. You Can Fly” – A new “Oke” rendition and graphic look of the classic Disney song, “You Can Fly,” with fun lyrics on screen and lots of your favorite “Peter Pan” characters.“Never Smile at a Crocodile” – A new “Oke” rendition and graphic look of the deleted song, “Never Smile at a Crocodile”, with fun lyrics on screen and highlighting the relationship between Captain Hook and Tick- Tock the Crocodile. Legacy/Classic BonusDisneyViewSing-along Version of the film: Sing along with your favorite songs from the movie.Growing Up with Nine Old Men – “Peter Pan” is both a story of living with a child’s sense of openness to the world and an acknowledgement that the path to adulthood most often leads away from those qualities. A parallel of sorts to that duality can be found in Walt Disney and his core group of animators, the Nine Old Men, in their lives and in their work. Our short film will look at who they were and the parts they played in one of the most remarkable team of artists that ever worked together. Deleted Song: “The Pirate’s Song” – Original demo recording of the song played over concept art.Deleted Song: “Never Smile at a Crocodile” – With music played over static concept art of the crocodile from Pater Pan.Deleted Song: “The Boatswain Song” – With music played over static concept art of Captain Hook and his crew. Deleted Scene: “The Journey Home” – A proposed alternate ending where Peter asks the Lost Boys to return home with Wendy and the other children.Deleted Scene: “Alternate Arrival” – A deleted scene where Wendy and the children are initially attacked by the Lost Boys because Tinker Bell tells them that Wendy is holding Peter captive. We also see in this version of the story that Nana the dog travels to Never Land with Wendy and the children.Disney Song Select – Simply play the clip from the movie with subtitles underneath it. “The Second Star to the Right”“You Can Fly”“A Pirate’s Life”“Following the Leader”“Your Mother and Mine”Audio Commentary Hosted by Roy Disney – Audio commentary hosted by Roy Disney, but carried on by several other people. Music and More”Never Land”: The Lost Song – A bonus piece that sets up the backstory of where this lost song was found and how Richard Sherman recomposed it. Music Video: “Never Land” – Music Performed by Paige O’Hara – A music video of the song “Never Land” Music Video: “The Second Star to the Right” – Music Performed by T-Squad – A music video of the song “The Second Star to the Right” performed by T-Squad.Backstage DisneyYou Can Fly: The Making of ‘Peter Pan’ – A making-of video of the 1953 Disney classic, “Peter Pan.”In Walt’s Words: “Why I Made ‘Peter Pan’” – Based upon an article written by Walt Disney retold as a dramatic recreation.Tinker Bell: A Fairy’s Tale – An introspective video on the creation, history and personality of the one and only “Tink.”The Peter Pan That Almost Was – Hosted by Ron Clements and John Musker, we take a look at the storyboards and early concepts of a version of the “Peter Pan” film that never saw the light of day.The “Peter Pan” Story – An original featurette for the film created in 1952. *Bonus features may vary by retailerDISC SPECIFICATIONS:Product SKUs:Multi-screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy), Digital HD/SD, DVDFeature Run Time:Approximately 77 minutesRating:G in U.S. and Canada; Bonus Material not rated Aspect Ratio:1.33:1Audio: Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, 1.0 English Original Theatrical MixDVD: English, Spanish, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, 1.0 English Original Theatrical MixDigital: English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Digital Subtitles: English SDH, French & Spanish Closed Captions:English (DVD & Digital)

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY SIGNATURE COLLECTION:The Walt Disney Signature Collection includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. Each release will offer special features for every member of your family plus a unique digital experience. To date, the collection includes “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi”, “The Lion King,” and “Lady and the Tramp.”ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Friday, May 25, 2018

15th season of programming for young audiences to explore the challenges of “hunger,” both literal and metaphorical

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've been enthusiastic fans of Adventure Stage Chicago for years. We're particularly excited for their upcoming season, since they're partnering up with some of our favorite people and companies. Adrian Danzig is a force of nature on stage and off, and we're jazzed to see him in the director's seat for The Adventures of Robin Hood by Scottish playwright, Oliver Emanuel, this fall. We're also huge fans of Chicago's Rough House Theater, who will be bringing their puppet prowess to The Stranger and the Shadow. Their Ubu the King was so impressive I bought one of their tank tops. We're also excited for Chicago pros, Andrew Marikis and Daryl Brooks teaming up onFast Food Chain. We've caught much of their prior work all over the city in past years and we're thrilled they're working with ASC.Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC), the participatory arts program of Northwestern Settlement (the Settlement), announces its 15th season of programming for young audiences, exploring the challenges of “hunger,” both literal and metaphorical, as the company applies its mission of telling heroic stories to the Settlement objective of disrupting generational poverty. The season will also be dedicated to Belna Reyes, the longtime Director of the Food Pantry and Support Services, who passed away this past year, as well as the Settlement’s commitment to providing assistance via the food pantry. ASC’s “Hunger” season features Oliver Emanuel’s adaptation of The Adventures of Robin Hood, Fast Food by Andrew Marikis created in collaboration with community partners; and The Stranger and the Shadow, based on the Golem of Prague and co- presented with Rough House Theater as part of the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival. All performances take place at Northwestern Settlement’s Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for youth aged 14 years and younger. Group tickets are $10 for ten or more guests. Student matinee tickets are $7 for CPS and $8 for non-CPS groups. Tickets may be purchased at adventurestage.org or by calling 773.342.4141.ASC believes in the power of the arts to promote change. Producing Artistic Director Tom Arvetis recently spoke about ASC’s commitment to serving the community: “Exactly how does a theatre participate in the effort to disrupt poverty? ASC embraces this question to serve the critical mission of our larger social service organization. We used it to guide our programming choices during the 2017-2018 season dedicated to literacy, and we return to it again as we announce our 2018-2019 season dedicated to hunger. The challenges of poverty are often layered and always complex. By isolating the markers of poverty (such as access to a quality education or access to nutritious food) and exploring them through a thematic lens, we become the civic space where these issues can be explored respectfully and with hope across generations.”As a participatory arts company, ASC feature multiple options for audience engagement. Each production is presented with Spanish subtitles. Additionally, we frame each performance with a Curtain Conversation, asking audiences to keep a question in mind as they watch the play and return to it after the show; our lobby transforms into an interactive installation; and Learning Guides with show context and arts-integrated activities are available for teachers and parents.The Adventures of Robin HoodOctober 20 – November 24, 2018 By Oliver EmanuelDirected by Adrian DanzigA corrupt sheriff plagues the commoners of Nottingham. His skyrocketing taxes are preventing the needy from being able to feed themselves! Who will stand up to the injustices and bring hope back to the people? Follow Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they take you on a journey of action, danger, and of course, archery. This medieval legend with a modern twist places a cast of two at the center of the story, reimagining the tale with enthusiasm, tenacity, and vigor.About the Creative TeamOliver Emanuel is a playwright based in Scotland. He was born in Kent, England, and studied at Leeds University and the University of East Anglia before settling in Glasgow in 2006. He has written for most of the major theatre companies in Scotland and his work has been seen across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Canada, USA and China. He also writes extensively for BBC radio. Oliver’s play Dragon won Best Show for Children and Young People at the UK Theatre Awards 2014.Adrian Danzig has been in shows at The Goodman, The Second City, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Steppenwolf Studio, Berkeley Rep, Brooklyn Academy of Music and The Public Theater, and with Shakespeare & Company and Lookingglass. He has worked with Mary Zimmerman, Les Waters, Joanne Akalaitis, Tina Landau and Anne Bogart. He has performed his solo works at The Kitchen, P.S. 122, The Ontological Hysteric Theater and Soho Rep. He was an early Neo-futurist and a founding member of Redmoon Theater, Hubinspoke Theater and 500 Clown. He graduated from NYC’s High School of Performing Arts, received his BA from Oberlin College and his MFA from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. He has studied clown with Ctibor Turba, Philippe Gaulier, Ronlin Foreman, Dominique Jando, Els Comediants, David Shiner and Avner the Eccentric. Adrian worked with The Big Apple Circus at its inception and also for seven years as a clown in Clown Care. Adrian has been the producing artistic director of 500 Clown since it began.The Stranger and the ShadowJanuary 26 – February 16, 2019 Co-presented with Rough House TheaterAn outsider enters a community that is guarded by a shadowy breathing barrier which feeds on the fear of its citizens. Rejected for her differences, she teams up with local misfits to bring to life a new creature powerful enough to fight the monstrous entity. The play uses human actors and life-size puppets to physicalize social forces, drawing inspiration from youth activists who seek to alter cultures of intolerance through empathy and inclusivity.About Rough House TheaterRough House connects individuals and communities through art that celebrates the weird things that make us unique, and the weirder things that bring us together. They create theater that captures the heart through the eye. Their shows use puppetry, music, and human performance to tell stories that are intimate, strange, and sincere.Rough House has headlined the National Puppetry Festival, the international Physical Festival Chicago, and Open Eye Figure Theater’s Toy Theater After Dark Festival. The company has been a proud contributor to such Chicago institutions as Brain Frame and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, of which it is a curatorial producing partner. Rough House has toured across the United States, performing in all variety of locations.Fast Food ChainApril 27 – May 18, 2019 By Andrew Marikis Directed by Daryl BrooksFast Food Chain follows a brother and sister as they wrestle with the pressure of poverty and food insecurity in Chicago. They struggle to make it on their own until one day they discover a garden in the unlikeliest of places. It’s an adventure into the magical realism of African folktale, showcasing the power of community and storytelling in combating social issues.About the Creative TeamAndrew Marikis is a writer, storyteller, and actor. He's worked with Seanachai, Lifeline, Boho, Sideshow, Adventure Stage, and many other theatres. He loves hearing a story that's totally true, and way too crazy to be true; and he harbors a not-so-secret obsession with dinosaurs. For more about him, check out www.andrewmarikis.com.Daryl Brooks is happy to be back at Adventure Stage after directing 2017’s Akeelah and the Bee. He recently directed the award-winning hit The Black Pearl: The Story of Josephine Baker at The Black Ensemble Theater. His other credits include Men of Soul, I Am Who I Am: The Story of Teddy Pendergrass, and The Marvin Gaye Story.

About Northwestern Settlement and Adventure Stage Chicago:Northwestern Settlement nurtures, educates and inspires children and families across Chicago. The Settlement’s success results from a commitment to treating every person who enters its doors with dignity and respect, while supporting them with transformational programming designed to disrupt generational poverty. The Settlement has led the way in innovative programming by offering residential science and environmental education for inner-city youth, launching successful charter schools, and adding a theater so children and teens have a forum for expressing their life experiences.The Settlement’s Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) is one of the only theaters in Chicago to develop and present works specifically for pre-teen and teenage audience. ASC also offers: Neighborhood Bridges, the in-classroom arts residency program; Trailblazers, a youth mentoring arts program; summer drama camps; and drama instruction in the Settlement’s Rowe Elementary School.Adventure Stage Chicago is a member of The League of Chicago Theatres, The National Guild for Community Arts Education, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and TYA/USA.Help Out:Join ASC “fore” a night of food, fun, and mini golf! Our latest fundraiser gives you the chance to show-off your short game with a mini golf challenge to win fabulous prizes. Festivities run from 6pm – 9pm at Diversey Range & Mini Golf with all proceeds going to the Trailblazers, Adventure Stage’s free mentoring program for Chicago youth. Food and drink is included with each ticket.Individual tickets are $50 or $180 for a team of four. Dust off that Masters Jacket and reserve your tickets today!Event Sponsorships availableIn the event of inclement weather (rain, thunderstorms) and the course is closed, the Putt Putt tourney will be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Team registrants will be notified by email no later than 4pm on June 4. Your registration fee will be non-refundable, but you will receive a tax-deduction acknowledgement for the amount allowed by law. Thank you for supporting the Trailblazers!Can’t make the event but still want to donate? Click Here!

Come to Orphans of the Storm, where you will not just adopt a pet, but a “friend for life.”

Orphans of the Storm (OOTS), one of the best respected and largest animal shelters in the Chicago area, will waive adoption fees for cats two years and older every weekend in the month of June 2018. In partnership with Ruth Helen Wolf Animal Hospital and Animal Medical Center in Skokie, they will also be offering a free medical exam and micro-chip with each cat adoption. Orphans of the Storm is located at 2200 Riverwoods Road, and also has satellite locations in Northbrook, Gurnee and Highland Park.

In honor of June Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month, the goal of the weekend promotion is to find as many homes for loving, adoptable cats by waiving the typical $90 adoption fees. (Additional vaccine charges still apply).

“As a longstanding Riverwoods institution, we have made it our goal to find good homes for all adoptable pets that are brought to our doors for 90 years,” said Gail Donahue, Shelter Administrator. “This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to come to explore our beautiful facility and find the next loving and lovable addition to their family.”

The Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat offer will begin Saturday, June 2 and continue Saturdays and Sundays in June through June 30. All cats over the age of two are available for free adoption (typical veterinary charges still apply, although a free health examination and microchipping is included). Those looking to adopt should bring valid identification with their current address. It is recommended that adopters also bring as many members of their family as possible (including other cats or dogs) to ensure that the pet they are hoping to adopt is a good fit.

About Orphans of the StormOrphans of the Storm®, a longstanding animal shelter in Chicago’s northern suburbs, takes responsibility and helps to find a home for every cat and dog that reaches its doors. Originally a country refuge, conveniently located west of the Tri-State Toll Way just north of Deerfield Road, Orphans of the Storm has provided exceptional shelter, nutrition and medical care for orphaned, abandoned, abused or neglected cats and dogs since 1928. Over the course of the shelter’s almost 90-year history, more than 120,000 pets have found new homes as loving and beloved additions to families.

At any given time, visitors to Orphans of the Storm’s beautiful woodland facility in Riverwoods can choose from up to 400 healthy, affectionate and faithful animals who would be their companion for life. At Orphans of the Storm, animals enjoy 10 acres of land for daily exercise under the caring attention of our staff and a dedicated army of volunteers. The shelter’s mission is that no dog or cat is ever without a loving home. We always strive to make the lives of our animals and our community better, one happy ending at a time. Orphans of the Storm is located at 2200 Riverwoods Road in Riverwoods. Satellite locations are located in Highland Park, Northbrook Court Mall and Pet Supplies Plus in Gurnee. Animals may be adopted at any time; no appointment is necessary. Orphans of the Storm is a not-for-profit, non-government subsidized, section 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit orphansofthestorm.org or call 847-945-0235.

Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we're all about Chi, IL arts, entertainment and fun. Navy Pier has gone through many transformations over the years. Honestly, for a while it had the ambiance of an airport, but it's now more family friendly and fabulous than ever! It's a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike.A particular Navy Pier favorite of mine is Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and I review numerous shows there year round. We even partner up on ticket giveaways for our readers. Chi Shakes' new space, The Yard, is amazing! Navy Pier's newest of the new spaces, the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilionhas its Grand Opening Tuesday, June 26th. Check it out.Navy Pier, Chicago’s iconic, year-round lakefront destination, will debut its newly renovated Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion this Memorial Day weekend. A key element of the Pier’s ongoing Centennial Vision redevelopment, the Pavilion, which stretches more than 200,000 square feet from the west main entrance of the Pier to WBEZ, is now a hub of more than 50 Chicago-centric experiences that showcase and represent the city’s best offerings in dining, entertainment, retail and more.

“When Navy Pier guests stroll through our new Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, they will encounter a wide range of authentic Chicago experiences – from some of the city’s best cuisine and neighborhood shops, to fun, family-friendly activities that are sure to enhance the overall guest experience,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We would not have been able to bring this bold and innovative new space to life without the support and investment of our partners at Fifth Third Bank, who recognized the need for a place where families and guests of all ages could gather and local businesses could shine.”

The growing Midwest-based Fortune 500 banking corporation agreed to a multiyear partnership with Navy Pier this past fall, increasing its investment in the Pier following their title partnership of the successful two-year Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration at Navy Pier in 2016 and 2017 and the ongoing title partnership of the Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest.

“Fifth Third Bank is proud to continue its partnership with Navy Pier – a historic and iconic Midwest destination, vital to Chicago’s growth and development – through an investment in a space tailored to families, committed to celebrating diversity in people and businesses, and designed to contribute to the local economy, especially by creating more than 300 job opportunities,” said Fifth Third Bank Regional President Eric S. Smith. “Together, we look forward to welcoming the Pier’s more-than-9 million annual guests and offering unparalleled experiences within the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion.”

The Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion is part of the larger Centennial Vision framework, which calls for the physical, programmatic and organizational transformation of Navy Pier in honor of its second century. The Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion is designed by Gensler, widely recognized as the world’s leading collaborative design firm. Featuring new contemporary storefronts and state-of-the-art digital screens, the renovated and architecturally stunning facility is home to many artisans, retailers and other businesses uniquely rooted in Chicago’s identity. The Pavilion also offers free arts and cultural programming, serving as a flexible platform for family-friendly events and activities year round. Guests strolling through the venue can expect fun, engaging programs and live entertainment – from dance and music, to fitness and more.

While the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion opens for business this weekend, an official grand opening event is slated to follow on Tuesday, June 26. For ticket and sponsorship information, check out the Navy Pier website.

See below for a full listing of the new and returning partners within the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion (* denotes new partners):

The Fifth Third Bank partnership is the latest major contribution to Navy Pier’s redevelopment efforts, following a legacy gift from the Polk Family and grants from Polk Bros. Foundation for Polk Bros Park and related programs, and generous support from People’s Gas and Aon, recognized with the naming of the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion (to be completed this August) and the Aon Grand Ballroom.

For more details, visit www.navypier.org or download the Navy Pier app on any Android or iOS device.

About Fifth ThirdFifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $142 billion in assets and operated 1,153 full-service Banking Centers and 2,459 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to more than 54,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2018, had $363 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $37 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC.

About Navy PierLocated on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit cultural destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2018, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, 220-room hotel and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the free Navy Pier app for Android and iOS device users.

Navy Pier Mission StatementNavy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.

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ChiIL Mama... Because There's Life After Birth!

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Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We feature green living, travel, entertainment news, original reviews, exclusive photo & video filled features, and nationwide giveaways.

FLASH GIVEAWAY: 2 Winners Will Each Get a Pair of Tickets to Any Emma Preview Date ($40 Value)

Click image to enter through midnight 5/23/19. Lifeline Theatre Chicago's Emma. (Previews are Fridays, May 24 and 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 25 and June 1 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 26 at 4 p.m.)

REVIEW AND PHOTO FEATURE: FREE Dessert at Palm Court in Arlington Heights Through June 10, 2019

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WIN 4 Tickets ($120) To Yes Ma’am Circus' 12th Night: If Circus be the Food of Love, Play On!

Click Image To Enter Through Midnight 5/31/19. Production runs at Theater Wit June 20 – June 30, 2019

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Have a great summer! Concerts for Kids is on summer break now till fall 2019. Check back with ChiILMama.com early and often for loads of summer family friendly fun, and look for our kindie band favs at summer fests, outdoor venues and street fairs all season. This fall, click the image below to check our Facebook Page for Weekly Family 4 Pack Ticket Giveaways ($28 Value). Winners will be announced each week. Shows are every Sunday at noon at Beat Kitchen in Chicago. Shows are all ages, but geared toward birth through 8 year olds with parents.

Out of 830 entries, congrats to Jessica D, ChiIL Mama's winner of The LEGO® Movie 2!

CLICK IMAGE for more info on The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part On BLU-RAY™ DVD COMBO PACK ($35.99 Value).

Out of 325 entries, Doug R & Jessica A, you both won a family 4 pack of tickets ($64 Value)

Click image for more information. THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE is now playing at Filament Theatre, Chicago through May 26, 2019.

Out of 1,395 Entries, Congrats to Dan D, ChiIL Mama's Winner Of A Small Foot Blu-Ray/ DVD Combo Pk.

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Click image for series lineup and ticket purchasing links. Catch your favorite "Kindie Bands" at Beat Kitchen every Sunday afternoon from fall through spring. Shows are all ages but aimed at birth - age 8 with parents.

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ChiIL Mama: Bonnie is a bona fide culture vulture. She blogs about Chicago theater, multicultural events and live concerts. She also hosts giveaways and seeks out products and places of interest to tweens. Consider her the authority on the offbeat, alternative and eco friendly.

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ChiIL Mama knows parents and kids rock and life doesn't end with birth. We're a photo and video filled events blog full of music, theatre, art and loads of give aways. Enter to win our CDs, DVDs, books and toys nationwide. We give away loads of Chicago show tickets too.

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ChiIL Travel Kids will archive all of our travel related posts. We will feature family friendly, quirky, eco-friendly, off the beaten path destinations around the US and around the world.

We'll also feature guest spots from other bloggers and families living abroad with kids, so you can eat and play like a local and not like a tourist. Check out our photo and video filled travel archives today.